$ETH $ETH (Ethereum) is the native token of the Ethereum blockchain, the leading platform for smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum revolutionized blockchain by enabling programmable agreements, underpinning DeFi, NFTs, and decentralized organizations (DAOs). Its Ethereum 2.0 upgrade transitioned the network to Proof-of-Stake (PoS), slashing energy use by 99% and boosting scalability. Despite competition from chains like Solana, Ethereum hosts over 4,400 dApps and dominates developer activity. $ETH, the second-largest crypto by market cap, funds transactions, staking, and governance. Layer-2 solutions (e.g., Arbitrum) and ETF speculation drive adoption, while rising institutional interest cements Ethereum’s role as the backbone of Web3 innovation.